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University of Alberta


Change, conflict cue memories of life's milestones: Study

A study by Connie Svob and Norman Brown found that people are more likely to remember transitional moments from their life stories, such as promotions or pets. The researchers identified distinct elements or life markers that separated the two groups of participants, suggesting a positive predisposition to detect and remember change.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 29, 2013

Putting the brakes on distracted driving

A University of Alberta sociology researcher identified key characteristics of people who use cellphones while driving, emphasizing social pressure and education as critical in curbing this behavior. The study found that males, those in the 35-44 age group, and lower-income earners are more likely to use their phones behind the wheel.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateMay 29, 2013

U Alberta researcher identifies 4 dinosaur species

A University of Alberta researcher has discovered that there were four distinct species of ankylosaurs instead of one, shedding new light on the lives of these ancient creatures. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that three of the species coexisted in what is now Dinosaur Provincial Park in southern Alberta.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 2013

New evidence dinosaurs were strong swimmers

Researchers have identified evidence of a dinosaur's ability to swim with coordinated leg movements, as indicated by 15-meter claw marks found on a Chinese riverbed. The marks suggest the presence of a two-legged dinosaur that was swimming along the river and only its tippy toes were touching bottom.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateApr 8, 2013

Creating inclusive child-care spaces

A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateMar 28, 2013

Banning food ads targeted at kids

Researchers are calling on the federal government to ban food and beverage ads that target children, citing a rising obesity epidemic. The proposed ban would restrict marketing to approved public health campaigns promoting healthy eating.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Public Health Policy·DateMar 21, 2013

Defining the new normal in aging

Researchers argue that traditional notions of healthy and successful aging fall short for many Canadians living with chronic diseases. Instead, they advocate for supporting older adults to live well according to their own definitions of health.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNursing Inquiry·DateFeb 27, 2013

Giving a voice to kids with Down syndrome

A new case study by the University of Alberta's ISTAR Institute shows that fluency shaping can significantly improve a child's speech in individuals with Down syndrome who stutter. Four months of treatment led to a 98.6% improvement in Sarah's fluency, enabling her to function better socially and academically.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Fluency Disorders·DateFeb 25, 2013

Are billboards driving us to distraction?

Researchers found that emotionally charged words on billboards can provoke an emotional response, distracting drivers and decreasing traveling speed. Positive connotations sped up drivers' responses, while negative words led to drifting and veering from the lane.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateFeb 14, 2013

U Alberta researchers move Barkhausen Effect forward

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new technique to analyze the Barkhausen Effect, providing critical information for rapid prototyping of magnetic computational devices. The method measures magnetic jumps in a special 'vortex' pattern and converts it into a probe of magnetic interactions on an atomic scale.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2013

Building better barley

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed tools to help barley crops use less water while maintaining productivity. The study, published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics, utilizes carbon isotope compositions to improve selection efficiency for water-efficient varieties.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateDec 12, 2012

Farm injury risks increase with age

A study by the University of Alberta found that older farmers (45-64 years) spend more time operating tractors and combines, increasing their risk of serious injury. The study also highlighted the importance of newer machinery with better safety features to reduce injury risks.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateNov 13, 2012

The Biggest Loser a big turnoff

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that extreme exercise depictions on TV shows like The Biggest Loser can create negative attitudes towards physical activity. Watching a clip from the show raised participants' worst possible thoughts about exercise, counteracting public health efforts to encourage more active lifestyles.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateOct 25, 2012

Tracing the Paralympic movement's 'freak show' roots

Historical analysis reveals the Paralympic movement's problematic roots in 19th-century freak shows, where disability was objectified and exploited. Researcher Danielle Peers argues that the movement prioritizes able-bodied leaders over athletes' contributions, perpetuating paternalism and erasure.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·DateAug 29, 2012

Income, 'screen time' affect soda, junk food consumption

A study of 1,800 Canadian preschoolers found that those from low-income neighborhoods were more likely to drink sugary sodas and juice, while spending more time in front of screens. This research highlights the need for action on poverty-related food choices and education as a key factor in promoting healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateAug 22, 2012